I am planning an survey of arboreta in South Africa and part of the project is to collect herbarium specimens from each tree. Many of the trees are around 30 metres tall. At the moment the most practical solution appears to be learning how to climb; where can one go for such a course?

If there is another way of collecting from such tall trees I'd be glad hear it. Any info would be most helpful!

the standard technique my research group uses in the DRC to collect herbarium specimens from extremely tall trees is to simply shoot it off with an air-rifle with a scope or a Cati. Also it may be a good idea to contact some of the department of forestry guys as they have all sorts of wonderful contraptions for getting into canopies quickly (tree bicycles etc.)

which area's are you collecting from and how many specimens are you hoping to collect? Climbing a 30 meter tree is no small undertaking and if you are planning on doing a lot of intensive collecting in an area it may be a good idea to recruit help!

Tree Climbers International (treeclimbing.com), the world's first school and organization for recreational tree climbers, offers an "at home" (online) tree climbing course (includes our "Tree Climbing Basics DVD) which teaches everything someone needs to learn to be a safe doubled-rope technique tree climber, regardless of whether you are climbing for fun, research or employment. Check it out!Patty Jenkinstci@treeclimbing.com